How much will the tickets cost?
For tickets purchased in advance, a one-day pass will be $13 and a weekend pass will be $18. Full price tickets are $18 for a one-day pass and $28 for a weekend pass. Advance pricing is effective beginning July 1, 2010 at 12:00am running through September 30, 2010 at 11:59pm. Full pricing begins October 1, 2010 at 12:00am and runs through the duration of the festival. All ticket prices includes a $3 service fee.

Why have the ticket prices increased this year?
We have recently changed ticketing companies to reduce excessive and inconsistent service fees found online and at ticket outlets. We have built in a standard $3 service fee so ticket prices are the same regardless of where you choose to purchase them, be it online or at a physical outlet.

Where are tickets available for purchase?
Tickets are available at all Boone County National Bank branches, Gerbes and Dillons Stores across the state of Missouri, The Blue Note box office, online through the Roots N Blues N BBQ site and Etix.

Will there be a charge for children?
Children 12 and under will be admitted into the Festival free of charge.

Can we leave the Festival and come back?
Yes, re-entry will be allowed. Individuals seeking re-entry will need to wear and present their day-of wristband to enter.

Will there be a free area?
The Festival set-up allows us the opportunity to offer free areas to Festival attendees. The Family Zone, in Flat Branch Park, and the BBQ competition area will still be free.

What will the free area include?
The free area will feature family-friendly live music, food and beverage vendors and the BBQ competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

What happens at the BBQ competition?
A Kansas City Barbeque Society State Championship BBQ Contest will be held Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Contestants will be located near Flat Branch Park and the public is welcome to watch the cooks and judges and smell the aromas of championship BBQ.

Can we sample the BBQ competition food?
No, public tasting is not an offering of the competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. To become a Certified BBQ judge visit the Kansas City Barbeque Society web site.

Where can I get some BBQ to eat?
There will be many food vendors (including BBQ separate from the contest) and beverage vendors along the main thoroughfares of the Festival. Prices will vary among vendors, as each vendor will be pricing their own food. Remember, we’re in the heart of The District, which means you can find any kind of food you could possibly want at local restaurants!

Will the Festival allow alcohol?
Alcohol will be provided within the ticketed area, but patrons will NOT be allowed to bring coolers or open containers into the ticketed area. Thumper Entertainment wants the Festival to be enjoyable and is dedicated to the safety of all patrons. All City of Columbia laws regarding alcohol must be observed.

Where can I get a map and Festival schedule?
This year, Shelter Insurance is sponsoring pocket guides that are free to attendees. The pocket guide will include a map of the Festival, information about our sponsors and the Festival schedule.

Where will the stages be located?
The Festival will feature three stages throughout the Festival footprint:

• Flat Branch Park near the intersection of 4th and Cherry Streets
• Peace Park near the intersection of 6th and Elm Streets
• Near the intersection of 7th and Locust Streets

Where should I park?
Every public parking garage in downtown Columbia will be open during the Festival. Those nearest the Festival include:

• 8th and Cherry
• 6th and Cherry
• 10th and Cherry
• 8th and Walnut

Will there be shuttle service available to the Festival?
There will be two shuttles providing transportation from Reactor Field on Providence Road to the Columbia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at Providence Road and Elm Street.

Can I bring my pets?
Pets are not allowed at the Festival. The Festival is in a downtown area, with limited grassy areas. The ONLY exception is for licensed therapy dogs.

Can I bring a cooler into Festival grounds?
Because of the large number of people expected at the Festival, coolers are NOT allowed in the Festival area. There will be ample opportunities to purchase food and drink.

Can I bring a camera into the Festival?
Personal cameras will be allowed, however professional cameras are prohibited without press credentials. Artists request that audio and videotaping not be allowed. If you are a member of the press and require press credentials, please fill out the proper form on the contact page.

Should I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
Blankets are welcome in Peace Park and Flat Branch Park. We anticipate attendees will primarily stand at the 7th and Locust Street stage. If you wish to bring a chair with you, we ask that you carry it with you when you leave the stage. Unattended chairs create difficulties for emergency vehicles, should there be a need for them to enter the area.

Is there anything else I should leave at home?
Glass containers are not allowed. No drugs or alcohol. No firearms.

What emergency assistance will be available on site?
Police, fire officials and EMTs will be on-site for medical treatment and
emergency transportation, if needed.

Is there a lost and found location?
Lost and found will be at the Information Booth located in the free area of the Festival.

What kind of access for people with disabilities will be provided?
The City of Columbia is highly accessible to those with special needs. Each of the City’s parking garages offer handicapped parking, and there will be handicap-accessible restroom facilities within the Festival.

Will Festival merchandise be available for purchase?
Festival t-shirts, hats, posters and other items will be sold at the Festival.

When is the Roots N Blues N BBQ race?
The Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival Half Marathon and 10K will be October 2nd. Details are provide at Ultramax.

How do I sign up for the race?
To register for the race, go to www.ultramaxtri.com.

How can I become a sponsor or vendor at the Festival?
Please e-mail vendors@rootsnbluesnbbq.com or sponsors@rootsnbluesnbbq.com for more information.